Deciding whether to become a candidate?

August 8, 2017

Before deciding to campaign for federal office, potential
candidates may wish to “test the waters” by exploring the feasibility of
undertaking a campaign. Testing the waters activities may include fundraising,
conducting polls, and traveling around the state or district in order to gauge
public support for a possible candidacy. Individuals who merely test the waters
do not have to register or report with the FEC even if they raise or spend more
than $5,000—the dollar threshold that would normally trigger registration. For
more information, please review our "Testing the Waters” informational article and YouTube video.

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This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public.